There’s a distinct hum that settles over Lagos as Friday evening descends. It’s a different kind of energy than the frenetic pace of the workday. It’s a collective exhale, a subtle shift in the city’s rhythm as people begin to shed the weight of the week and turn their thoughts towards the promise of the weekend. And as the sun dips lower in the sky, painting the familiar cityscape in hues of orange and purple, I find myself caught in that same gentle current, a feeling of anticipation bubbling beneath the surface.
The week in Lagos can often feel like a marathon, a constant negotiation with traffic, deadlines, and the vibrant, sometimes overwhelming, energy of the city. There’s a certain resilience that gets built, a muscle memory for navigating the hustle. But by Friday evening, that resilience often yearns for a moment of respite, a chance to simply…be.
For me, this transition isn’t just about the absence of work. It’s about a shift in focus, a turning of attention towards the things that nourish the soul. It might be the simple pleasure of knowing I can linger over a glass of wine without the urgency of the next task looming. It could be the anticipation of connecting with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter that have been put on hold during the busy days. Or perhaps it’s the quiet joy of finally having uninterrupted time to indulge in a favorite hobby – maybe losing myself in the intricate world of a new crochet project, or finally getting around to that book that’s been patiently waiting on my bedside table.
Living in Lagos, the weekend often takes on a particular flavor. The air feels a little lighter, the pace a touch slower (though perhaps “slower” is a relative term in this bustling metropolis!). There’s a sense of collective unwinding, whether it’s families gathering, friends heading out for an evening of suya and laughter, or the quiet hum of generators providing the backdrop to relaxed conversations on balconies.
This evening, as the sounds of the city soften slightly, I find myself reflecting on the week that has passed. The challenges faced, the small victories achieved, the lessons learned. There’s a quiet satisfaction in reaching the end of another cycle, a sense of accomplishment in navigating the demands of daily life. And with that reflection comes a sense of release, a letting go of the accumulated stress and a welcoming of the potential that the weekend holds.
For some, the weekend in Lagos is a time for vibrant social gatherings, for exploring the city’s diverse culinary scene, or for escaping to the beaches that line the coast. For others, it’s a precious opportunity for quiet solitude, for recharging and reconnecting with oneself. And often, it’s a beautiful blend of both.
As for me this evening, the plan is simple: to party the weekend or to savor the stillness that descends as the workday energy dissipates. To perhaps listen to some music, to enjoy a simple meal without the pressure of time, and to simply allow myself to unwind. It’s a conscious decision to step out of the weekday rhythm and into the more gentle cadence of the weekend.
This Friday evening sigh isn’t just about the end of something; it’s about the beginning of something else – a time for rest, for rejuvenation, and for rediscovering the simple joys that often get overshadowed during the week. It’s a reminder to appreciate the present moment, to savor the transition, and to look forward to the possibilities that the weekend in Lagos holds. And as the stars begin to pepper the night sky above this vibrant city, there’s a quiet sense of gratitude for this moment of pause, this gentle unwinding into the embrace of the weekend.
The plan is to enjoy the weekend and rejuvenate before monday and have a great time, so cheers to a great weekend Hivers❤️